Valedictorian, Class of 2026
B.A. Humanities, summa cum laude
Originally from Lehi, Utah, Keisha graduated in the top ten of her high school class. She came to UVU as a Presidential Scholar for Academic Merit and completed her degree on an accelerated timeline after entering with extensive concurrent enrollment and AP credits. Keisha describes her time at UVU as formative and deeply engaging, shaped by discussion-based classes, creative academic freedom, and a strong sense of community. She embraced the university’s inclusive and supportive environment to explore contemporary media through the humanities, producing interdisciplinary projects, a capstone thesis, and a forthcoming book review in UVU’s Intersections journal. She also developed proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese and became known for her creativity, curiosity, and active participation in campus life. She says that UVU has given her indispensable skills and tools to understand, analyze, and talk about art on an academic level.
Salutatorian, Class of 2026
B.S. English, summa cum laude
A nontraditional student and proud alumna of American Fork High School, she chose UVU for its welcoming culture and its commitment to diverse perspectives in literature and writing. During her time at UVU, Amanda distinguished herself as both a scholar and a creative writer. She completed her first novel and signed with a literary agent before graduation. She has presented research and creative work at multiple academic conferences and earned a place on the Dean’s List. She has also been deeply involved in the local writing community, serving on the Storymakers Writers Conference Committee, lecturing as a guest, and earning accolades such as the Storymakers First Chapter Contest award. Amanda credits her success to the mentorship of UVU faculty and the opportunity to engage deeply with literature from marginalized communities, experiences that shaped both her craft and her worldview.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. Political Science
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Daphne enrolled at UVU in 2021 after moving to Utah and quickly found a community that supported her academic goals while balancing full-time work. During her time at UVU, Daphne distinguished herself through scholarship, leadership, and service. As a member of the Honors Program, she completed a senior thesis examining comparative national contributions to global sustainable development, with particular attention to environmental injustices affecting developing countries. Her work earned the Honors Outstanding Thesis Award (Spring 2025) and was selected for presentation at the 2026 Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference. Alongside her academic achievements, Daphne served as a department director for the company she has worked with for five years, developing strong leadership skills while supporting her education. Daphne will begin law school this fall, with plans to pursue a career in environmental law and advocate for environmental justice.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. Psychology, magna cum laude
A first-generation, non-traditional student from Salt Lake City, she entered higher education determined to build a better life and make a meaningful impact. At UVU, Gerolyn discovered a passion for research, teaching, and advocacy, particularly in serving adult learners, first-generation students, and veterans. Her academic interests center on the intersection of ADHD and PTSD, with a strong emphasis on improving mental health care for female veterans. Gerolyn has been deeply involved in the Suicide and Trauma Research Collaborative (STRC), where she progressed to lab manager, contributed to over 19 research conference presentations, coordinated multiple studies, and mentored new researchers. She also has a manuscript currently under review for publication related to PTSD symptom reduction in veterans. Beyond research, Gerolyn has helped build university programs, served as a peer advisor and written for the Psychology Newsletter, and earned numerous grants, scholarships, and academic honors.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. English, cum laude
During her time at UVU, Maelle distinguished herself as a writer, editor, and leader, most notably serving as Editor-in-Chief of Touchstones Literary Magazine for the 2025– 2026 academic year where she learned how literary magazines work. She also earned CRLA Level II certification as a Writing Tutor. Maelle’s academic and creative work has been recognized through acceptance to the Capitol Reef Writing Retreat, an invitation to read her poetry at the UVU Environmental Ethics Symposium, and a proposal submission to the Research in Editing and Publishing Conference at BYU. Beyond academics, she brings five years of professional experience in the non-profit sector, where she worked as an administrator, coordinator, and writer.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. Philosophy
A native of Spanish Fork and a graduate of Maple Mountain High School, Mclain found at UVU an intellectually rigorous and supportive academic home. Through close collaboration with peers and mentorship from exceptional faculty, Mclain developed a deep appreciation for careful philosophical inquiry, moral integrity, and critical engagement with social and personal issues. His teachers and peers have pushed him to think seriously and rigorously about important philosophical issues that are too often overlooked in daily life. These experiences have prepared Mclain to pursue doctoral study, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor of philosophy.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.A. Deaf Studies, magna cum laude
Growing up in a military family, Olivia experienced life across many different cultures, with a particularly meaningful highlight being her time living in Taipei, Taiwan. These experiences sparked her passion for culture and languages. She chose to attend UVU because of its nationally respected Deaf Studies and Interpreting program and the dedicated faculty who helped shape her academic and professional path. During her time at UVU, Olivia was actively involved in the UVU Student Association and completed a meaningful internship within the Deaf Studies Program, experiences that deepened her passion for advocacy and education. She graduated a semester early while working full time and earned certification as a Novice Certified Interpreter in the state of Utah. Olivia will attend Gallaudet University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in Deaf Education and Early Childhood Education, as well as Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. Applied Communication, cum laude
Sarah Holmes is a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication from Utah Valley University and has been recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Communication. During her time at UVU, Sarah distinguished herself through academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List for multiple semesters while gaining hands-on professional experience through a recruiting internship and years of employee management. Sarah was drawn to UVU because of its supportive learning environment, strong academic programs, opportunities, and commitment to student success. UVU’s supportive faculty and emphasis on clear, effective communication shaped both her personal and professional growth. After graduation, Sarah plans to enter the workforce with an open mind toward future education.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2026
B.S. Anthropology, summa cum laude
A non-traditional student, Stacy returned to college after decades with the support of her family and fully embraced the UVU experience through research, internships, and community-engaged learning. She co-presented gerontology research at the 2025 Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research and gained hands-on experience working with caregivers and individuals in hospice care—experiences that shaped her goal of becoming a hospice social worker. Stacy will begin UVU’s highly competitive Master of Social Work program in August and plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a focus on serving older adults and their families.
